[Objective]The paper was to analyze whether Asiatic black bear( Ursus thibetanus) had different blood group systems. [Method]Whole blood samples were collected from 40 Asiatic black bears in Fujian Province,China. Tub...[Objective]The paper was to analyze whether Asiatic black bear( Ursus thibetanus) had different blood group systems. [Method]Whole blood samples were collected from 40 Asiatic black bears in Fujian Province,China. Tube method was used to detect antibodies in plasma,and antibody isotype was determined with 2-mercaptoethanol. Plasma was further analyzed by mass spectrometry. [Result] The plasma from four black bears had antibodies,possibly Ig M isoform,which could agglutinate RBCs from 30 bears. Blood samples from 10 bears were tested by human blood typing reagents. The results showed that four black bears had blood type like human type O,while six bears had like human type B. Mass spectrometry results demonstrated that plasma protein had extensive homology to serum albumin-like isoform 1 found in giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). [Conclusion]Asiatic black bear might have at least one blood group system with two blood types. If the sick bear needs blood transfusion,a cross-matching test is necessary. Moreover,giant panda might receive blood from Asiatic black bear in case of emergency.展开更多
The American black bear(Ursus americanus)was long thought to be solitary and its social organization has not been well described.Here,we present new data on black bear social structure.The objectives of the study were...The American black bear(Ursus americanus)was long thought to be solitary and its social organization has not been well described.Here,we present new data on black bear social structure.The objectives of the study were to make detailed observations of the behavior of wild black bears to determine their social interactions and structure.We tested whether black bears interacted socially beyond mating and competing for resources,if black bears tracked relationships and interacted regularly even when resources were not limited,and whether the social structure of a population of black bears was based on a matrilinear hierarchy.We collected data by direct observation of bears from 1993 to 2014.Observations of 1210 social interactions at a provisioning site indicated that females compete and form matrilinear hierarchies.Dominant bears established a hierarchy for food,control of space,and control of younger bears.Post interaction scent marking took place,which suggested that dominant females were conditioning subordinates to their scent marks.Affiliative behavior occurred between related and unrelated bears and helped to establish the social structure of the bear community.Based on our data,human–bear conflicts can be reduced by behavioral modifications by humans when they encounter bears.Knowledge of bear behavior and the matrilinear hierarchy provide a basis for non-lethal management of bears that find themselves in a bear–human conflict situation.展开更多
An expeditious method for ascertaining species between black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus G. cuiver) and brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus) was developed using tooth measurements from previously identified specimens. ...An expeditious method for ascertaining species between black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus G. cuiver) and brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus) was developed using tooth measurements from previously identified specimens. The measurement and analysis on 18 tooth measurement indexes (i.e. T1. Length of Pm1-Pm4, T2. L. of M1-M3, T3. M1L., T4. M1 width, T5. M2L., T6. M2W., T7.M3L., T8. M3W., T9. L. of C1 alveolus, T10. W. of C1 alveolus, T11. L. of C1-M2, T12. L. of Pm4 M2,T13.M1L., T14. M1W., T15. M2L., T16. M2W., T17.L. of C1 alveolus, T18. W. of C1 alveolus) of 59 skulls (black bears 25, brown bears 34) indicates that there are significant or the most significant difference between two species in every indexes, however T1, T9, T10, T17 and T18 are not suitable for species discriminator because of their high percent of overlap. The efficient species discriminators and standards (mm) are as follows T2(63.0), T3(22.0), T4(10.2), T5(23.8), T6(13.6), T7(18.0), T8(13.5), T11(110.0),T12(66.0), T13(20. 1), T14(15.8), T15(33.0) and T16(17.3). Those who are less than or equal to standard are classified to black bear, the others are brown bear. The method is very convenient and useful with high reliability. Their lowest accuracy percent are 95.0%, most of them over 97%. Different indexes will be chosen refer to the degree of specimen destroyed.展开更多
The growth and sprawl of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) population have been observed and monitored in the past two decades, especially in south-central Kentucky. To better manage human-black bear interact...The growth and sprawl of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) population have been observed and monitored in the past two decades, especially in south-central Kentucky. To better manage human-black bear interaction and develop informed policy and best practices, the current study sought to 1) understand south-central Kentucky residents’ current knowledge of and previous experience with black bears, 2) investigate residents’ attitudes toward black bears and regulated hunting in wildlife management;and 3) identify residents’ level of acceptance of various black bear related management actions in south-central Kentucky. From February to April 2017, residents of London and Stearns districts (southeastern regions) of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a black bear habitat, were invited to participate in this study. The results from 139 completed surveys showed that residents lacked sufficient knowledge about black bear populations in the region and received minimal information regarding black bear management efforts. In comparison to education efforts and relocation, regulated black bear hunting could be a cost-effective option to promote responsible use of wildlife resources and black bear population control. This study provided lessons and recommendations for black bear management in south-central Kentucky and may be of utilization for any other wildlife conservation areas.展开更多
Climate change is one of the threats in the recent century,affecting biodiversity directly and indirectly.Modeling the patterns of species distribution is one of useful tools for predicting the impacts of climate chan...Climate change is one of the threats in the recent century,affecting biodiversity directly and indirectly.Modeling the patterns of species distribution is one of useful tools for predicting the impacts of climate change on endangered species.Brown bear(Ursus arctos)plays an important role as a focal species in mountainous ecosystems.This study was aims to investigate the effects of future climate changes on the distribution of this species using an ensemble modeling method in R-software.For this purpose five algorithms including MAXENT,RF,MARS,GAM,GLM and BRT were used to predict the distribution of the species in the present climatic conditions as well as in the 2050s and 2070s.The results showed that temperature and precipitation were two main factors in the distribution of brown bears in Iran.Investigating the distribution of the brown bear in the future showed that suitability of its habitat will decrease in the western and central parts and increase in the northern parts.So a shift toward higher altitude will be expected for brown bear in the future.Therefore,in this condition it is imperative to upgrade the extent of protected areas for better conservation of brown bear.展开更多
Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound...Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound human intervention. We assessed the genetic variability of a subpopulation of brown bears near the periphery of their range in the Western Carpathian Mountains and compared their genetic properties with those of bears in the core of the same population and elsewhere. Samples were collected non-invasively in 2007-2008 and2010 in Strázovské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in Slovakia (included in the NATURA 2000 networking programme). Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci (UaMU26, UaMU64, G10B, G1D, G10L, UaMU50 and UaMU51) were amplified using a nested PCR in order to assess the following parameters: variability, allelic combinations, heterozygosity, number of alleles and inbreeding coefficient. Sufficient brown bear DNA for analysis was obtained from 57 out of 140 samples (41%), among which 45 different genotypes were identified. Loci had a mean of 2.71 ± 0.76 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 0.59. The inbreeding coefficient was negative for all but one of the analysed loci (2007-2008). In the year 2010 was negative three of seven loci. These results imply that gene flow with other parts of the population has been maintained in the reduced level and the isolation level of bears in the study area was not so low. Nevertheless, the genetic variability of bears in Strázovské Vrchy PLA was lower than that reported from other localities in the Carpathian Mountains. The results are discussed in the context of behavioural ecology and conservation genetics.展开更多
Determining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the challengesDetermining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the...Determining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the challengesDetermining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the challenges of designing field studies to document conditions before and after landscape changes occur,assessment of popula-of designing field studies to document conditions before and after landscape changes occur,assessment of popula-tion responses(e.g.changes in population density)often provide poor inference because of sampling limitations.tion responses(e.g.changes in population density)often provide poor inference because of sampling limitations.Estimation of occupancy,however,only requires data on detection or non-detection of a species and might provideEstimation of occupancy,however,only requires data on detection or non-detection of a species and might provide better inference.To demonstrate the utility of occupancy models,we used data from an American black bear(Ursusbetter inference.To demonstrate the utility of occupancy models,we used data from an American black bear(Ursus americanus Pallas)population in North Carolina,USA to test our research hypothesis that documented declines inamericanus Pallas)population in North Carolina,USA to test our research hypothesis that documented declines in site occupancy of black bears would be greater near a new four-lane highway.We used multi-season occupancysite occupancy of black bears would be greater near a new four-lane highway.We used multi-season occupancy models to estimate site occupancy based on bear visitation to survey sites before and after completion of the newmodels to estimate site occupancy based on bear visitation to survey sites before and after completion of the new highway and as a function of distance to the highway.Site occupancy declined from 0.81 to 0.35 between the twohighway and as a function of distance to the highway.Site occupancy declined from 0.81 to 0.35 between the two study phases,but was not a function of distance to the highway.Therefore,the impact of the new highway onstudy phases,but was not a function of distance to the highway.Therefore,the impact of the new highway on occupancy extended to the entire study area.Our case study demonstrates that occupancy models can provideoccupancy extended to the entire study area.Our case study demonstrates that occupancy models can provide powerful inference regarding the potential impacts of landscape changes on species occupancy.As urban areas andpowerful inference regarding the potential impacts of landscape changes on species occupancy.As urban areas and transportation infrastructure are rapidly expanding in developing regions of the world,the need to determine howtransportation infrastructure are rapidly expanding in developing regions of the world,the need to determine how these changes affect mammal populations and how they might be mitigated increases accordingly.Because fieldthese changes affect mammal populations and how they might be mitigated increases accordingly.Because field sampling for occupancy models only requires detection data,surveys can be conducted for extensive geographicsampling for occupancy models only requires detection data,surveys can be conducted for extensive geographic areas,thus making these surveys particularly applicable to studies of large mammals.areas,thus making these surveys particularly applicable to studies of large mammals.展开更多
基金Supported by Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Foundation(GP01-1617)Special Fund of Health Industry Research(201002005)
文摘[Objective]The paper was to analyze whether Asiatic black bear( Ursus thibetanus) had different blood group systems. [Method]Whole blood samples were collected from 40 Asiatic black bears in Fujian Province,China. Tube method was used to detect antibodies in plasma,and antibody isotype was determined with 2-mercaptoethanol. Plasma was further analyzed by mass spectrometry. [Result] The plasma from four black bears had antibodies,possibly Ig M isoform,which could agglutinate RBCs from 30 bears. Blood samples from 10 bears were tested by human blood typing reagents. The results showed that four black bears had blood type like human type O,while six bears had like human type B. Mass spectrometry results demonstrated that plasma protein had extensive homology to serum albumin-like isoform 1 found in giant panda( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). [Conclusion]Asiatic black bear might have at least one blood group system with two blood types. If the sick bear needs blood transfusion,a cross-matching test is necessary. Moreover,giant panda might receive blood from Asiatic black bear in case of emergency.
基金Support for this research came from the Kilham Bear Center,Lyme,New Hampshire,the Global Cause Foundation,Fairfax Virginia,and the Betz Chair of Environmental Science endowment at Drexel University。
文摘The American black bear(Ursus americanus)was long thought to be solitary and its social organization has not been well described.Here,we present new data on black bear social structure.The objectives of the study were to make detailed observations of the behavior of wild black bears to determine their social interactions and structure.We tested whether black bears interacted socially beyond mating and competing for resources,if black bears tracked relationships and interacted regularly even when resources were not limited,and whether the social structure of a population of black bears was based on a matrilinear hierarchy.We collected data by direct observation of bears from 1993 to 2014.Observations of 1210 social interactions at a provisioning site indicated that females compete and form matrilinear hierarchies.Dominant bears established a hierarchy for food,control of space,and control of younger bears.Post interaction scent marking took place,which suggested that dominant females were conditioning subordinates to their scent marks.Affiliative behavior occurred between related and unrelated bears and helped to establish the social structure of the bear community.Based on our data,human–bear conflicts can be reduced by behavioral modifications by humans when they encounter bears.Knowledge of bear behavior and the matrilinear hierarchy provide a basis for non-lethal management of bears that find themselves in a bear–human conflict situation.
文摘An expeditious method for ascertaining species between black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus G. cuiver) and brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus) was developed using tooth measurements from previously identified specimens. The measurement and analysis on 18 tooth measurement indexes (i.e. T1. Length of Pm1-Pm4, T2. L. of M1-M3, T3. M1L., T4. M1 width, T5. M2L., T6. M2W., T7.M3L., T8. M3W., T9. L. of C1 alveolus, T10. W. of C1 alveolus, T11. L. of C1-M2, T12. L. of Pm4 M2,T13.M1L., T14. M1W., T15. M2L., T16. M2W., T17.L. of C1 alveolus, T18. W. of C1 alveolus) of 59 skulls (black bears 25, brown bears 34) indicates that there are significant or the most significant difference between two species in every indexes, however T1, T9, T10, T17 and T18 are not suitable for species discriminator because of their high percent of overlap. The efficient species discriminators and standards (mm) are as follows T2(63.0), T3(22.0), T4(10.2), T5(23.8), T6(13.6), T7(18.0), T8(13.5), T11(110.0),T12(66.0), T13(20. 1), T14(15.8), T15(33.0) and T16(17.3). Those who are less than or equal to standard are classified to black bear, the others are brown bear. The method is very convenient and useful with high reliability. Their lowest accuracy percent are 95.0%, most of them over 97%. Different indexes will be chosen refer to the degree of specimen destroyed.
文摘The growth and sprawl of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) population have been observed and monitored in the past two decades, especially in south-central Kentucky. To better manage human-black bear interaction and develop informed policy and best practices, the current study sought to 1) understand south-central Kentucky residents’ current knowledge of and previous experience with black bears, 2) investigate residents’ attitudes toward black bears and regulated hunting in wildlife management;and 3) identify residents’ level of acceptance of various black bear related management actions in south-central Kentucky. From February to April 2017, residents of London and Stearns districts (southeastern regions) of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a black bear habitat, were invited to participate in this study. The results from 139 completed surveys showed that residents lacked sufficient knowledge about black bear populations in the region and received minimal information regarding black bear management efforts. In comparison to education efforts and relocation, regulated black bear hunting could be a cost-effective option to promote responsible use of wildlife resources and black bear population control. This study provided lessons and recommendations for black bear management in south-central Kentucky and may be of utilization for any other wildlife conservation areas.
文摘Climate change is one of the threats in the recent century,affecting biodiversity directly and indirectly.Modeling the patterns of species distribution is one of useful tools for predicting the impacts of climate change on endangered species.Brown bear(Ursus arctos)plays an important role as a focal species in mountainous ecosystems.This study was aims to investigate the effects of future climate changes on the distribution of this species using an ensemble modeling method in R-software.For this purpose five algorithms including MAXENT,RF,MARS,GAM,GLM and BRT were used to predict the distribution of the species in the present climatic conditions as well as in the 2050s and 2070s.The results showed that temperature and precipitation were two main factors in the distribution of brown bears in Iran.Investigating the distribution of the brown bear in the future showed that suitability of its habitat will decrease in the western and central parts and increase in the northern parts.So a shift toward higher altitude will be expected for brown bear in the future.Therefore,in this condition it is imperative to upgrade the extent of protected areas for better conservation of brown bear.
基金supported by Structural Funds of EU Project of the Agency of the Ministry of Education,Science,Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic,Bratislava,ITMS No.26110230078
文摘Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound human intervention. We assessed the genetic variability of a subpopulation of brown bears near the periphery of their range in the Western Carpathian Mountains and compared their genetic properties with those of bears in the core of the same population and elsewhere. Samples were collected non-invasively in 2007-2008 and2010 in Strázovské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in Slovakia (included in the NATURA 2000 networking programme). Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci (UaMU26, UaMU64, G10B, G1D, G10L, UaMU50 and UaMU51) were amplified using a nested PCR in order to assess the following parameters: variability, allelic combinations, heterozygosity, number of alleles and inbreeding coefficient. Sufficient brown bear DNA for analysis was obtained from 57 out of 140 samples (41%), among which 45 different genotypes were identified. Loci had a mean of 2.71 ± 0.76 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 0.59. The inbreeding coefficient was negative for all but one of the analysed loci (2007-2008). In the year 2010 was negative three of seven loci. These results imply that gene flow with other parts of the population has been maintained in the reduced level and the isolation level of bears in the study area was not so low. Nevertheless, the genetic variability of bears in Strázovské Vrchy PLA was lower than that reported from other localities in the Carpathian Mountains. The results are discussed in the context of behavioural ecology and conservation genetics.
基金The Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(2019QZKK0603)The Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20040201)The National Natural Science Foundation of China(41761144081)。
文摘Determining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the challengesDetermining impacts of anthropogenic landscape changes on wildlife populations is difficult.Besides the challenges of designing field studies to document conditions before and after landscape changes occur,assessment of popula-of designing field studies to document conditions before and after landscape changes occur,assessment of popula-tion responses(e.g.changes in population density)often provide poor inference because of sampling limitations.tion responses(e.g.changes in population density)often provide poor inference because of sampling limitations.Estimation of occupancy,however,only requires data on detection or non-detection of a species and might provideEstimation of occupancy,however,only requires data on detection or non-detection of a species and might provide better inference.To demonstrate the utility of occupancy models,we used data from an American black bear(Ursusbetter inference.To demonstrate the utility of occupancy models,we used data from an American black bear(Ursus americanus Pallas)population in North Carolina,USA to test our research hypothesis that documented declines inamericanus Pallas)population in North Carolina,USA to test our research hypothesis that documented declines in site occupancy of black bears would be greater near a new four-lane highway.We used multi-season occupancysite occupancy of black bears would be greater near a new four-lane highway.We used multi-season occupancy models to estimate site occupancy based on bear visitation to survey sites before and after completion of the newmodels to estimate site occupancy based on bear visitation to survey sites before and after completion of the new highway and as a function of distance to the highway.Site occupancy declined from 0.81 to 0.35 between the twohighway and as a function of distance to the highway.Site occupancy declined from 0.81 to 0.35 between the two study phases,but was not a function of distance to the highway.Therefore,the impact of the new highway onstudy phases,but was not a function of distance to the highway.Therefore,the impact of the new highway on occupancy extended to the entire study area.Our case study demonstrates that occupancy models can provideoccupancy extended to the entire study area.Our case study demonstrates that occupancy models can provide powerful inference regarding the potential impacts of landscape changes on species occupancy.As urban areas andpowerful inference regarding the potential impacts of landscape changes on species occupancy.As urban areas and transportation infrastructure are rapidly expanding in developing regions of the world,the need to determine howtransportation infrastructure are rapidly expanding in developing regions of the world,the need to determine how these changes affect mammal populations and how they might be mitigated increases accordingly.Because fieldthese changes affect mammal populations and how they might be mitigated increases accordingly.Because field sampling for occupancy models only requires detection data,surveys can be conducted for extensive geographicsampling for occupancy models only requires detection data,surveys can be conducted for extensive geographic areas,thus making these surveys particularly applicable to studies of large mammals.areas,thus making these surveys particularly applicable to studies of large mammals.
